The competition begins at the first Masterpiece in a Day event in 2015. Artists set up at designated art zones to create a theme-based piece of work that becomes part of a juried exhibit later in the day. Courtesy Photo
Downtown Corpus Christi comes alive with art, music, food and bicycles this month — even more than usual. First Friday ArtWalk has moved back to a newly renovated LaRetama Park, a new bike-sharing program hits the streets of the Marina Arts District on Sept. 1 and the second annual Masterpiece in a Day on Sept. 24 has grown to include the culinary arts. The Living Art Parade will be a focus of the event this year, said Barbie Baker, merchant and special events manager for the Downtown Management District.
“Anybody and everybody can join in for free,” she said. “We encourage them to dress up, become a piece of art. Paint your face, wear a costume, decorate your bike, bring a picture.”
The month of creativity and entertainment begins Sept. 1 when Bike Corpus Christi Bikeshare makes 40 bikes at seven locations across downtown available to anyone with a Zagster app on his or her mobile phone. Cost is $3 an hour after the first 59 minutes of use.
The bikes take center stage Sept. 2 during ArtWalk, which for the past two months has settled into its new old home at La Retema Park. The park was out of service for about a year for a much-needed makeover that has combined grass and gravel in a unique star design. The tiny park has taken on a new life and given creative cohesiveness and connectivity to ArtWalk.
“The new park is amazing,” Baker said. “The grass gives the whole thing a welcoming, friendly environment. People are so surprised at how much art, music and vendors we have now that the footprint is all connected.”
Last month, the food truck craze hit a new level with 15 different culinary portables lined up from Mesquite to Starr streets. Vendors take Starr Street to Lower Broadway, while live music and art liven every corner.
The grassy section of La Retama hosts interactive artists along with family-friendly games, karate demonstrations, photo books and karaoke.
This month, the Bike Renegades will give bike safety courses, including how to change a tire, patch an inner tube and maintain equipment.
“We are incorporating community awareness and participation and bike safety,” Baker said of the interactive event.
The group will also be at Sunday’s BridgeWalk, which meets at 8:30 a.m. in Heritage Park. While bikes are not allowed on BridgeWalk, cyclists are welcome on the alternative route along the seawall.
On Saturday, Sept. 24, the entire downtown area opens its doors to Masterpiece in a Day, a one-day art competition and art parade. This year’s theme, “Revitalization — Envision, Create, Inspire,” will be incorporated into four artistic areas: visual, spoken, musical and culinary.
A new addition to the art-themed day, the culinary division has already been whittled down to the top five food truck vendors chosen by online voters. Food truck tasting and judging begins at 11 a.m. at the Ritz Theater.
Three winners each will be chosen in all four categories. First place receives $750; second place, $350; and third place, $200.
The revitalization theme asks artists to present their individual visions for downtown.
“The mission of everything that we [Downtown Management District] do is to bring awareness and visitors to downtown Corpus Christi,” Baker said. “We want everyone to see all the incredible revitalization that’s taking place here. We are the Marina Arts District, and that’s what we want everyone to see and to know. This downtown is about art in all forms.”
MASTERPIECE IN A DAY SCHEDULE
Saturday, Sept. 24
Downtown Corpus Christi
9-11 a.m. — Check-in registration for artists at Art Center of Corpus Christi, 100 N. Shoreline Blvd.
9 a.m. — Art competition begins as artists set up to work at designated art-making sites.
11 a.m. — Food trucks open for voting in Ritz Theater parking lot.
3 p.m. — Art parade begins, concluding at Ritz Theater. Artists join in parade as it passes.
4 p.m. — All art category competitions end. Finished work turned in at Ritz Theater.
4-4:45 p.m. — Art judging at Ritz Theater.
5 p.m. — Awards ceremony for visual and culinary work at Ritz Theater.
6 p.m. — Music competition performances and judging at House of Rock. Open to public.
6:30 p.m. — Spoken word performances and judging at Executive Surf Club. Open to public.
7 p.m. — Awards ceremony for spoken word at Executive Surf Club.
7:30 p.m. — Awards ceremony for music at House of Rock.
Competition is open to artists of any age (under 16 must be accompanied by an adult). Work must be created in the Marina Arts District on the day of the event.
